MANY people in Staunton and the surrounding villages will be sorry to hear of the death of Mr Stephen Howells who together with his wife Emma were the proprietors of Staunton Cross Garage & General Stores for many years.

They retired 20 years ago and moved to Joyford in the Forest of Dean where Stephen was born. They kept contact with Staunton by visiting friends at least once a year and it was only about two months ago that Stephen made his last visit and soon afterwards he celebrated his 90th birthday with a party. He was taken ill with a heart attack and taken to Gloucester Royal Hospital where he died a month later. Our sympathy goes to his daughter Jean and her family in their loss. The funeral takes place at English Bicknor today (Friday).

During the Family Service at the Parish Church of St James Staunton conducted by the vicar, Canon John Evans, the baptism of Ailsa Charlotte, daughter of Claire and Ian Teague took place with water from the River Jordan and she was welcomed into the family of the church by the whole congregation. The Lesson was read by Zoe Dixon and the Chalice was administered by Ursula Groves-Smith during the celebration of Holy communion. The organist was Margaret Riley and the offertory was taken by Jo Claessen.

On Sunday (May 20) Staunton Church members will welcome the new Archdeacon of Gloucester, the Venerable Geoffrey Sidaway for the first time. The Archdeacon will be the celebrant at the service of Holy Communion (BCP). The Churchwarden June Fardon and Ursula Groves-Smith meet the Archdeacon at his Visitation today (Friday).

A lovely day out was spent around the Cotswolds by 53 members of Staunton & District Over 60's Club and taking in the Stroud Valleys before stopping for lunch at Cirencester and then taking browses around the town. The tour continued to the village of Wick Rissington where a cream tea had been prepared for them by the village WI. At their next meeting Bangers & Mash will be served for lunch and on June 25 the club have an outing to Cardiff and Penarth. Sadly the club has lost one of its staunchest members with the death of Mrs Lillian Fry from Ashleworth. The memorial service for the last Miss Win Chapman, club founder, may now be held at Johnston Close instead of Hartpury Church. There will be a Coffee Morning with Bring & Buy starting at 10.15am in the lounge at Johnstone Close, the proceeds will be for Newent Disabled and Dial a Ride.